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Organix Canine Wellness Centre

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Melbourne, VIC
Organix Canine Wellness Centre

A wellness centre for dogs, offering Myotherapy alongside our purpose-built dog spa.
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We do things a little bit differently so check out our website for more info on how an appointment works and get in touch if you have any questions.

29/08/2024

Crushed bones and bone meal are often added to dog food recipes as an ingredient because of the calcium content.
For a dog food to be labelled as "complete" and "balanced," it must contain all the nutrients a dog needs, including calcium.

The problem is that by choosing a complete and balanced food, you are robbing your dog of its chewing requirement and providing it with a less-than-ideal version of calcium, in the case of Bone Meal.

I know what you're going to say, and the answer is "no." You cannot feed bones and processed dog food. Unfortunately, many dry dog foods already contain a Calcium excess, and you are only adding to or creating a nutrient excess by providing raw meaty bones with a dry meal.

Too much calcium may not seem problematic as the excess is excreted as f***s. However, as it passes through, it binds with other essential minerals like zinc, removing them as well.

There are definitely individuals who cannot eat bones, say those with no teeth, and in this instance, I would definitely recommend crushed bone as opposed to bone meal and getting guidance from a Nutritionist.

But for the everyday dog, just give them a meaty bone. A meaty bone contains all the minerals a dog needs and in the perfect balance.

If you're unsure or have never fed bones, please contact a qualified Canine Nutritionist, such as

29/08/2024

Teamwork makes the dream work! I'm thrilled for little Evie (or piglet, as I fondly call her)! 🤩

She has significantly improved her posture after just 3 weekly Myotherapy sessions and 2 weeks of following my Home Exercise Program (HEP).

Kudos to her family for committing to the hard work, even though my exercises may have seemed boring. 😝

Why is posture important?
Poor posture impacts movement, and poor movement impacts joints. Given that Evie has previously undergone knee surgery, it's crucial that we assist her in moving correctly: 1. to help her develop the right muscles and 2. so these muscles can support her joints.

Incorrect movement can lead to premature wear and tear and hinder a dog's mobility in the future. All dogs need to learn to move correctly to prevent this premature damage. 💪

We don't always capture a great before and after shot, and a dog's progress isn't always this quick. It's a testament to Evie's owner's dedication and the foundation she had already established through regular dog training classes. 💙

28/08/2024

Thank you for all of your well wishes for my little old man 💙
I know his time will come eventually, but that would have been just the worst way to see him go.. so grateful he's still here.
He might be a grumpy A-hole but I still love him 🥰

27/08/2024

It's safe to say that most of us have our favourite doggy services, but when it comes to groomers, they are truly so, so busy, making getting an appointment difficult.

I should know, I am one 💁‍♀️

If you ever can't get an appointment within a timeframe that suits you, all you have to do is take on a bit more of the grooming responsibility. Leave the haircut to the groomer when you do get an appointment, and focus on the health care aspects.

Nails, ears and coat.

Those three areas will continue to be a problem if you do nothing in between appointments.

More info in the pictures. If you have any questions, comment below 😁

26/08/2024

Last week was one of the worst weeks of my life.
My dog, Stretch, woke up like any other day, went toilet and ran to his day bed
in our office where he chills for most of the day with my husband, Calum.

An hour later, Stretch vomited multiple times, couldn't walk straight, was drooling, had a head tilt and Nystagmus (darting eyes).

This was bad. Really bad. I grabbed a piece of food as he is a big food-motivated dog, his head tilted back in avoidance, and he refused to get up.

We rushed him to his Vet where she told us he had either had a stroke or Idiopathic Vestibular Disease.

All we could do was wait and see if he recovered - and if he did, how much would he recover? Would it be enough for a good quality of life?

I was devastated. I couldn't believe how quickly my life turned upside down. All the naughty things he ever did and all of his bad behaviours completely faded from my memory, and all I wanted was my little man back...

The first few days were the hardest. He couldn't walk and wouldn't get up for a drink or to go to the toilet. We were on 24/7 caring duties, carrying him to the toilet and constantly offering him water and small amounts of food. I slept next to him in the lounge and would drive him to the park for a change of scenery. Hoping that he would get up on his own.

I couldn't believe how quickly he was deteriorating. He was thin and lethargic and seemed to be giving up.

By day 4, he had gotten up a couple of times for water but was still very much sedentary and wobbly.

I thought we were going to have to say goodbye.

It took about a week of rehab and checking in with the Vet, but today, Stretch is almost perfect 💙

He might always have a head tilt, and he can't run or shake because he now lacks balance, but he's walking and trotting, eating like normal, following us around the house, barking at people, getting happy when he sees me, and toileting on his own.

I hope for many more years with this resilient little man who's survived eating rat bait and chocolate - and now, Vestibular Disease.

Love and care for your dogs as best as you can because their lives are truly short 💙

16/08/2024

I honestly hate harnesses on dogs for a plethora of reasons.

Despite what I think, whatever tool you use to walk your dog, ask yourself:
- Is your dog walking nicely, with a loose lead?
- Do they listen when pressure is applied?
- Does it allow freedom of movement?
- Are there any constant pressures?
- Does the tool allow effective communication?
- Does the tool cause any skin irritations?

You know what the answers should be. If you and your dog are not on the same page, always consult with a balanced dog trainer.

*Simply changing the walking tool will not fix a behavioural issue, but it may fix a fitment or movement issue.

13/08/2024

We make choices every day based on our perception of what is important to us. As someone who has chosen to house and care for pets, I feel it is my responsibility to provide each pet with what I feel is the best care I possibly can.

This involves providing them with nutritious, species-appropriate diets, mental and physical enrichment, a clean environment and, of course, love.

This can look different to different people, and I know for myself, that once I learn something, I can't unlearn it, and it usually involves spending more time or more money on my pets 😝

To be fair, I wouldn't have it any other way because their happiness truly makes me happy 💙

I think this is the definition of pet ownership.

Inspired by .dogtraining

09/08/2024

The big fluffy paws are the hardest part for me - not gonna lie 😅
The constant back and forth between combing and sc******ng to make them even and round is why my knee is bruised today 😝

Could I have raised the table higher instead of kneeling on the floor? Yes.

We live, and we learn. 💁‍♀️

09/08/2024

It can be tempting to teach your dog exciting-looking exercises, but when performed correctly, the simpler exercises are often the most beneficial.

If you love working with your dog, by all means, train your dog to your heart's desire and do the fun, exciting exercises.

But If you're not sure where to start you can save this guide. 💁‍♀️ It's full of simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily walks.

These exercises can be performed with very little training and still pack a punch for those wanting to support their dog's mobility 💪
Although simple, these are effective and still require mental engagement from your dog. So it really is a win-win!

❗️Always consult with a pet professional before starting targeted exercises if your dog has a suspected or pre-existing injury.

And yes, I am available for consultations, so glad you asked 😜
www.caninewellness.com.au

08/08/2024

I only teach a very few select exercises because they are the most effective and backed by science. Exercises should only be performed with a dog's individual considerations in mind.

Exercises need to be performed correctly and calmly to be effective. It's also important to note that tight muscles cannot be effectively exercised. The exact effect of exercising a tight muscle is for the muscle to tighten further under stress.

Issues may not arise quickly and are often first noticed but subsequently ignored as an indication of aging, when this is not the case at all.

Looking for a partner to help your dog live their best life? 💁‍♀️💙

Visit www.caninewellness.com.au to book an initial Myotherapy consultation.

Citation: Dybczyńska, M., Goleman, M., Garbiec, A., & Karpiński, M. (2021). Selected Techniques for Physiotherapy in Dogs. Animals, 12(14), 1760. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141760

07/08/2024

I hope you guys know I would do anything to help you look after the health of your dog 💙

I could do a million other things to make money; it would probably better pay and better hours 😝. I wouldn't get trampled on or slobberd on, but I choose to work with dogs and educate owners on natural health to the best of my ability.

I never stop learning, and I never stop reading and engaging in further education, so you don't have to worry about your dog's care with me.

Dogs are awesome animals and I want to keep them that way 💙

03/08/2024

I hate being cold, but I am loving these frosty mornings! Everything is so still and calm.

These are the exact mornings that I would recommend using a light windbreaker on your dog if they tend to feel the cold.

Often, we use cumbersome, human-styled clothing on our dogs when, most of the time, they are too warm for exercising.

And occasionally, I see heavy-coated dogs in clothing. These dogs are literally built for cooler weather and definitely don't need a jacket other than an unlined raincoat, should you not feel like drying your dog after a rainy walk.

When should I use a coat on my dog?
You need to pay attention to your dog's behaviour and see if they indicate they are cold and understand when they are warm. If you're unsure, frosty mornings and chilly wind, are when I would typically suggest a jacket.

What's the best type of clothing?
A light, flexible jacket of natural fibres, such as wool. Wool has excellent breathability and provides good wind protection.

01/08/2024

It can be hard to determine the right amount of exercise for our senior dogs. We want them to get out and stretch their legs, sniff a little and have some fun, but we also don't want them to hurt themselves or be sore the next day.

Tips for exercising your senior dog:
1. Always do a thorough warm-up and cool down
2. Never do the same activity for extended periods
3. Be aware of their strengths and weaknesses
4. Always look out for signs of fatigue and stop your dog. Yes, be the fun police 💁‍♀️

Any questions?

22/07/2024

If your dog's nails touch the floor, they are too long.
Why? Because nails that touch the floor apply pressure along the toe joints, up through the wrist, to the shoulder, affecting everything in its path right through to your dog's back.

The second photo is a dog with long nails, the first photo is after I've trimmed them. I use the clippers in such a way that the nail is rounded similarly to when using a dremel or nail file but without the noise and vibration. I've never worked with a dog that accepted the dremel so I found another way to achieve a similar result.

This method is particularly useful when trying to help a dog's nails to receed to a beneficial length.

Always, always, keep an eye on your dog's nails 💙

11/07/2024

Itchy paws? I can definitely help you with that from an external relief perspective.

Providing your dog with some skin hydration will help reduce itchiness, dry skin = wanting to itch.

With ingredients that help replenish the skin like Vitamin A, there is nothing to cause aggravation, only skin soothing properties. 💙

By the end of the year I'll also be able to provide information on diet that could help offer allergy relief, for now, we can at least sooth the itching and make your dog feel a little calmer and more comfortable.

10/07/2024

I love working with owners who genuinely want their dog to enjoy being groomed. That means we're both putting in the work to make this a reality.

If your dog is uncomfortable/scared/aggressive/fidgety/etc. when being groomed, here are 5 things YOU can do to help.

1. Brush you dog weekly.
There's nothing worse than a dog that not only hates being groomed but has come in matted. Knots and matts can be painful to remove and contribute to your dog not liking grooming. On top of that, a lot of dogs don't like being brushed, in a roundabout way, it's probably related to the fact that infrequent brushing leads to matts and matts cause pain when brushing. Lets not make matting and lack of brushing the cause for disliking being brushed.

2. Touch your dog's legs and paws daily.
Yes, daily, and not while they're asleep or relaxed on the couch—it doesn't count. Your dog has to be aware of what is being asked and (ideally) co-operate or tolerate it for a reward. This can be taught and is really important for nail trimming, paw pad checking, leg trimming, and even body trimming, as the legs are often lifted to stretch the skin of the abdomen.

3. Flip your dog's ears over and look inside weekly.
Not only will this help you understand your dogs ear flora, you'll be bale to catch ear infections before they get out of hand and will desensitise them when it comes time to clean them or administer medication.

4. Teach them to sit AND stand.
Teaching your dog to sit is pretty common and I'd argue that most dogs can do it to a more or lesser extent. But teaching your dog to stand when asked is so helpful for grooming, I can't even express just how helpful it is. Grooming a dog that won't stand means their back legs are often less than glamorous 💁‍♀️ It's also really tiring to physically hold a dog up. Teaching your dog to stand or understand that pressure or "tickling" of the belly means to stand up, is a great way to encourage co-operation and reduce stress.

5. Shower with your dog.
Not literally, but you can do that too - no judgement. Keeping your dog in the bathroom while you shower allows them to hear the water, maybe get splashed and listen to the drier. This gives the dog a chance to form a positive or neutral association to the common sounds of grooming.

Leaving this all up to your groomer will no doubt lead to your dog either hating grooming, hating your groomer (for making them do stuff) or being very neutrally sad about the whole situation.

06/07/2024

I wish this place were dog-friendly!
I went on a walk today with a friend at the beautiful Werribee Gorge. Stretch wouldn't have made it, to be honest 😅 but in some spots, he would have had the best time!

The last time I was here, I dislodged a kidney stone due to the extra movement I did, so I was keen to make a happier memory 😝

Picture one - we had to climb around this mountain above the river. We both nearly chickened out but felt very accomplished afterwards 💁‍♀️
Then I saw a kid climb around with his dad and felt somewhat less impressed with myself 😂

If you've never been, I highly recommend the full circuit hike 👌
Have you been to Werribee Gorge?

28/06/2024

So many businesses refuse large breeds or certain breeds, but some of my "easiest" clients are large breed dogs.

If a large breed dog is under-socialised and naughty, they are 100 times more difficult than a small dog that does the same behaviour. And very dangerous, I might add.

However, if they are friendly and well-behaved, I find them easier than a small well-behaved dog.

Cruise here reaches my waist when on all fours and there is no way I can lift any part of him, but, he got in the bath, he stood when asked and he didn't fidget too much. That allowed me to be a lot more gentle resulting in him being a lot calmer.
He had such a good time, played with toys, peed on every plant outside and got lots of back scratches - or brushing as I like to call it.

Do you have a large breed dog that has been refused by a pet professional?

27/06/2024

Could barely go near this dog the first time he came in, but now we're friendly acquaintances 😝

Dogs that are fearful and aren't used to different people or environments need frequent short periods of exposure if you want them to truly be comfortable and confident.

Solo has had roughly 6 hours of exposure to be and being groomed here prior to today. That was spread over 5 visits, 4 weekly and 1 a month later.

Proof that a little bit of consistency and your dog can improve quite quickly.

We've got a lot more work to do but it's a huge improvement 💙

27/06/2024

Should you walk your senior dog out in the cold?
Stretch feels the cold easily due to his coat density and low body fat percentage. Technically, with his skull shape, he should be able to thermoregulate really well, but because of a slight heart murmur, he struggles quite a bit in the heat, too.

Knowing your dog is really important when making any health decisions, and something as simple as whether or not you take your dog for a walk, is a health decision.

Exercise almost always promotes health, particularly when the exercise is appropriate for the individual dog. But even in really cold weather?

I'm going to be really annoying and ask that you read my latest article for the answer because there are a lot of considerations and potentially some points that you may not have considered.

Read the article here:
https://www.caninewellness.com.au/articles/should-you-walk-your-senior-dog-in-the-cold/

Let me know what you think :)

21/06/2024

I've seen a lot of content about changing dogs from eating meat to strict Vegetarian or Vegan diets, and as a Canine Nutritionist in training, I figured I should add my two cents. I've written my thoughts as a two-part blog in the link below.

https://www.caninewellness.com.au/articles/a-vegetarian-diet-for-dogs-is-it-everything-your-dog-needs/

18/06/2024

When I groom or work with a dog for Myotherapy, I can immediately tell what they get up to at home.
A dog that has some boundaries, maybe knows a little bit of obedience or trick training and has been taught to relax in different situations and environments tends to settle in quite quickly.

It makes it easier for me to work with and desensitise them to what isn't always a fun experience.
This also makes the experience less stressful for the dog AND they sometimes even learn to enjoy it.

If you let your dog do whatever they want, whenever they want, you are truly doing them a disservice. 💙

17/06/2024

I was so excited and nervous to have the opportunity to groom a dog with such a long hairstyle.

It's far more common for owners to want easy-maintenance hairstyles which are generally shorter. That means I don't get many opportunities to try different styles or work with longer hair.

Overall, I was really happy with the result, and I know I'll keep getting better 💙

Did you know there are a heap of ways we can style a dog to make them easier to maintain without going short all over? Ask me next time I work with your dog if you'd like to try something new! 🥰

05/06/2024

If you're trying to build strength with tight muscles, you're doing it wrong.

Muscles must be pliable, without tension, so that they can function properly and allow for growth as needed.

A tight muscle can be painful and restricts movement. Restricted movement prevents blood flow. Inadequate blood flow prevents nutrients from being utilised by the muscle.

Muscles require circulation, nutrients, hydration, nerve signals and, of course, a minor stressor (exercise) to grow.

So, if you're trying to improve your dog's muscle tone, ability, or performance without having their musculature checked for tension, you're doing it wrong.

04/06/2024

Just like grooming, Myotherapy should be considered a preventative measure and part of every dog's health care plan.
It aids in the prevention and early detection of unnecessary muscle dysfunction, which means it can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

I am so passionate about Myotherapy because of this. Knowing your dog's body can help you determine what exercises your dog is handling, where its weaknesses are and if there are already signs of injury.

Muscles are truly amazing and they are a part of much more than we think. When they contract, they initiate movement of the skeleton, produce warmth, increase blood circulation, improve the flow of the Lymphatic system (part of the Immune System) and provide sensory information to the brain.

When muscles are tight, nervous system messages struggle to pass through which delays reaction time, blood struggles to pass through which can cause muscle fibres to weaken leading to muscle wastage. Without Lymph flowing your dog's immune system is compromised. Without adequate blood flow, nutrients are not reaching their destination within the body.

Like a yearly Veterinarian check-up, check in with a Myotherapist as part of your dog's health and wellness plan. 💙

01/06/2024

Looking after Nala's knee after a fall in the car created some inflammation and pain. This led to her not using her back legs properly, causing muscle wastage and further weakness.

I'm using massage to relieve tension from the impact and to draw blood and nutrients to the weakened muscles, which will help her strength. If we don't relieve the tension, the lack of blood flow will likely prevent the muscles from rebuilding.

As well as massage, we do a mixture of specific physio-therapeutic exercises to help her slowly improve her range of motion 💙

30/05/2024

It can be scary to try a new haircut idea because many factors can affect how the style sits, such as the direction of coat growth, hair texture, wear patterns, matting, and for the face, eating habits.

Olive's owners needed a shorter muzzle style, and I'm actually really happy with how it turned out!
Poodle cross coats are often very unpredictable and are easier to style at longer lengths but she looks so cute with this shape 🥰

24/05/2024

Being a pack animal, dogs are motivated a lot by adrenalin and will often ignore pain - because they literally no longer feel it at that moment, to do something that they love. Or that they think YOU love.

Pain is the result of an increase in pressure on the nerves from a build-up of fluid, irritating the nerve endings.

When adrenalin is released to help the dog move in a particular way, these pain signals are blocked, an amazing adaptation for survival.

It's not until the nervous system regains balance as the dog cools down or the activity is stopped that the dog begins to feel the pain again.

The dog may then rest. The Golgi Tendon Organs (GTO) report the injury through the nervous system, resulting in the muscle fibres tightening to restrict movement and prevent pain. Depending on the cause of the pain or injury, the dog could appear to feel better the next day.

However, If this injury is not alleviated properly and the dog is exercised again, just as the initial healing phase had begun via rest, movement restriction, inflammation, nutrient response, circulatory response etc., Fibrous tissue may be laid down as a protective measure. This will further inhibit the muscle's restoration to normal function.

This is how a lot of chronic pain and Repeat Strain Injuries (RSI) occur. Rest does not always equal healing.

18/05/2024

Long-haired dogs require a lot of home maintenance, some individuals more than others.
But when the weather is so cold, I can understand why people might choose to share their home with a Teddy Bear 😝

What made you choose a dog with long hair?

16/05/2024

I know which food I would choose...

Address

1223 Ison Road
Melbourne, VIC
3024

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 7pm
Wednesday	10am - 7pm
Thursday	10am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 3pm
Sunday	9am - 3pm

Telephone

+61433495533

Website

http://www.caninewellness.com.au/

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Videos

Please enjoy my rant on sensitive shampoo's. Shampoos are not create equal and are often formulated with with human in mind, not the dog, despite the dog being the end recipient. This means that the products are often more about being super cleansing and smelling nice for days, as opposed to being good for the dog's skin and coat. While this may sound appealing to the human, this spells disaster for the dog. The dog wants a gentle, light scent and needs a hydrating formula for their skin and coat to stay healthy. What is sensitive skin? Sensitive skin always refers to an underlying condition. If your dog has a reaction after coming into contact with a product, it is rarely the dog's fault and they wouldnt/shouldnt be neccessarily deemed "sensitive". Dogs with diagnosed Dermatitis or other skin conditions will have sensitive skin. If you're looking for gentle products - for whatever reason, I have used and trust the following brands: @bearandkindapawthecary @ciderandbasil @melanienewman_salonessentials Some of which can be purchased from my online store 💙

To all the beautiful dogs I've had to say goodbye to and all the owners who chose me for their final grooms 💙 I have not forgotten and am forever grateful. #seniordog #schnoodle #seniordogcare #dogsofmelbourne #dogcare

What tips do you have for trimming your dog or puppies nails?

Your dog is meant to shed, sorry not sorry. We need to stop ✋️ going crazy with the brushing. I have seen lots of damaged coats from using harsh tools too frequently. It's unnecessary, and it could be pulling out live hairs that are not yet ready to come out. Use an appropriate tool until your dog's coat feels lighter or the knots have been removed, then stop! Respect your dog's beautiful coat and skin 💙 If you're not sure what an appropriate tool is for your dog, ask your groomer 👌 #doggrooming #labrador #labradorretriever #blacklabrador #dogbrushing

This very simple skill will save your dog from becoming confused and stressed out in new situations. There are so many moments that require Pressure and release, I truly believe you are doing a disservice to your dog if you haven't taught them how to turn off the Pressure. It's used differently in different situations, but the outcome is the same. Examples: - Loose leash walking - asking your dog to move - asking your dog to get into the car - asking your dog onto the scales - asking your dog to stand - asking for your dog's paw - asking your dog to get off the couch for a guest And so on. A dog that doesn't understand what is being asked quickly becomes confused and then stressed out as they don't know how to stop the Pressure until we teach it. Side note: you can (and should) reward your dog after they've done what you've asked. That leads to an understanding, and they won't be confused or stressed about what you're asking of them in future. As always, if you need help, seek out a reputable balanced trainer 💙 #dogtraining #looseleashwalk #rottweiler

The best way to clean your dog's ears is, unfortunately, the least comfortable way. My way: 💁‍♀️ Wrap a tissue around your index finger. Apply the cleaning solution to the tissue/your finger. Massage the base of the ear while you insert your finger and wipe all around the ear opening. This works because: 🙌 1. There's no cool liquid being squirted into the dog's ears - uncomfortable and surprising sensation. 2. Massaging the base of the ear feels nice - dog might not realise you're cleaning their ear. 3. Even if you do a terrible job, you can try again another day because your dog hasn't run away scared of you. 🐶 Did you try this? Did it work for your dog? Add any ear-cleaning tips below to help other dog owners 💙

This ties in well with my excessive brushing video from last week. Often after a groom your dog will have a temporary increase in shedding. Remember that the skin has been massaged and stimulated and space has been created, giving you a beautiful free-flowing coat as opposed to the compacted, tight coat they may have walked in with. So don't stress; this is temporary and will lighten after about 24 hours. Brushing until no more hair comes out is unnecessary, uncomfortable and potentially damaging to both skin and hair. #doggroomingtips

Ear plucking is needed in some individuals to keep their ear canal clear, allowing for better airflow. Failure to pluck, when needed, results in the accumulation of dirt, wax and hair. This can lead to matting, which is difficult to remove from the inside of a dog's ear, and ear infection. If your dog is telling you it hurts, you're doing it wrong, or the hair you're pulling is not the correct hair to pull. #doggrooming #doghealth

Dogs are not frogs...

I'll say it a million times if I have to because I don't want anyone to contribute to their dog's mobility issues. If you allow this, you are weakening your dog's knees!

Why is this dog so relaxed? The remedial massage aspect of a Myotherapy session taps into the Parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages the mind to rest. When in this state, the body can heal itself better 💙 Myotherapy is not just a "nice treat" for our dogs; it is an extremely effective modality for improving the function of many bodily systems. Want to know more? We can help.

Due to his play style, Tyler is always tight in his chest, neck and shoulders. To maintain his mobility we use massage and targetted exercises which he very much enjoys 🥰

This grain-free crusade has to stop. Some grains are good, others are not. Sprouted grains are super nutritious and can be added to your dog's diet occasionally for a pop of concentrated nutrients. Unsprouted grains, so just grains, would need to be cooked before being fed as they contain enzyme inhibitors that will prevent digestion. Once they are cooked, their nutritional value decreases, which is why sprouted grains are best. Since companion dogs still have the same digestive system as their wild ancestors, feeding some grain (particularly sprouted grains) has some benefits as they will have eaten the stomach contents of their herbivorous prey and will have ingested all kinds of partially digested plant content - including grains. I am NOT saying grains should make up a large portion of your dog's diet! While I'll never recommend dry dog food (again), it's important to at least be informed about what you're feeding your dog so you can make up your own mind. Grain-free kibble formulas are often filled with legumes instead of grains, marketed as being healthier for your dog or better for sensitive stomachs. However, nutritionally speaking, if you are feeding legumes, you should add roughly the same amount of grains to the meal and vice versa. This balances out both of their nutrient deficiencies. So, if you choose a grain-free diet that is probably then filled with legumes, your dog is most likely missing out on a better-quality protein. Remember that the quality of the ingredient is just as important as the ingredient itself. If you'd like to try sprouting some grains for your dogs, let me know in the comments, and I'll make a tutorial on that 😊 Including where I source my grains from.

Grooming ASMR anyone? Charlie tends to be anxious-excited, so I often have no music when he comes in. Although, I usually end up singing to him. You can see how engaged he is with me and how I'm able to keep him calm while still letting him be a dog and have some fun.

In December, I shared a little teaser video of this dog, Khaleesi, who had a rather large matt inside her ear. I totally forgot to share the other half of me actually getting the mat our of her ear - so here it is. . I think these videos are important because it's easy to think of a groomer as someone who just washes and cuts hair, but more often than not, we actually have a fair bit of work to do that doesn't directly involve washing and making dogs pretty. Khaleesi is a breed that grows long hair inside her ear, and so it is common for her to have some debris and dirt inside. This time, it was stuck deep into the ear canal, and it had become entwined with her hair which created a thick matt. I tried quite a few different methods to gently remove it, but it was just too deep. In the end, I needed to use Haemostats to reach the base of the knot and pull it out. Had I not done this for her, she would have had to go to the Vet. If this was hurting, I would have left her to go to the vet, but luckily, it was attached to her "pluckable" hair. That means the particular ear hair had a short root system, and she wouldn't have felt anything; it was more annoying than anything.

When I worked at a dog grooming/training/daycare facility, the types of dogs that needed special consideration were either elderly or had been injured. As time went on, more and more dogs were having mobility issues. It took me a while to realise this, and it wasn't until I opened my own business that I realised even dogs I had groomed from puppies, with no clinical injuries or fear of being groomed, were developing mobility issues. . Difficulties standing on three legs, difficulties giving me their paw, lots of fidgeting, inability to rotate as they should - this wasn't stemming from fear of being groomed; these dogs were actually incapable of normal movement. I am shocked by how many dogs are unable to move as they should, and I want to help as many dogs as I can. I want to educate owners on correct exercise and activities to prolong their mobility, and I want to teach owners how to spot issues so they can be fixed before they turn into injuries. 💙

Luring is great, but patience is better.

I can tell by looking at your dog's conformation that they do this, and I can feel it in their muscles!

Don't forget to keep your dog's hindquarters strong! Try these simple tips at home to prevent fatigue and subsequent injury.

I've always wanted to make this video because their are too many people using this brush wrong and unknowingly damaging their dog's coats!

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About Organix Dog Spa

Organix Dog Spa is a wellness retreat where guests (dogs) experience love, care, and respect. Pups enjoy being groomed and pampered as we open our doors as a refuge to all dogs that prefer a relaxing and attentive experience.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create a space for guests (dogs) that prefer being treated with the kindness and care we give our own. We want every guest (dog) that visits Organix to walk away feeling happier and healthier. We want to get that tail wagging.